Tag Archives: winter break

Being bi-coastal has it’s pros and cons. Winter Break is ironically a breeze, but Summer Break sure does bring on the heat when it comes to bringing everything back home. Here are a couple of tips I recommend if you’re far, far, away from NYC.

1. Get a storage unit:

Manhattan Mini Storage has great deals for students. Getting a unit will save your live come summertime when you are left to travel with ALL of your belongings back home on a 6-hour flight, say bye to that extra luggage fee.

2. Change the way you pack:

Simply organizing your things differently will help you stuff some more things into your luggage. Start with shoes at the bottom and work your way up the body. Keep clothes ROLLED not folded and make sure all of your liquids on carry-on are not over 3.4oz!

3. Prepare for the weather back home:

New York has bi-polar weather, just like it’s counterpart Los Angeles, however, when it blazing hot here it can be a rain-fest over there, and vice-versa! Keep up with the weather updates when travelling and try to wear easy layers on flights to ensure weather protection!

Welcome back to FIT and hopefully the start to a successful and fun new semester. I hope you all had a beautiful winter break and had the opportunity to recharge, refresh and spend time with friends and family. I had an incredible holiday, I went back to Switzerland and it was the first time in 2 years that I’ve skied, and I forgot how lucky I was to live in such an incredible country. This year I really took advantage of the mountains and the snow to really make the most of my holidays and do activities I wouldn’t be able to do once I got back in the city. Although all of this was really nice, I’m very excited to be back in the New York and start school, and a new internship. I have a lot of plans and fun things I want to accomplish this semester, which is giving me an extra boost of motivation to start. I’ll let you know what those are once the semester kicks in. I’m also exited to start my classes, because after a very busy fall semester, I decided to give myself a mini break this semester, to take classes I always wanted to take and have more time to work on my personal blog.

Let me know how your holidays were down in the comments below, and what you’re most exited about for this semester.

Hope all your finals are going well so far… As we all know we don’t only have to worry about finals, but Christmas shopping too. What gifts to get, who to gift them too etc. Each year I wait last minute to do all my Christmas shopping, and every year I freak out, because I don’t know what to get and I’m under time pressure.

The other day I was close to Chelsea Market and decided to go in. Best decision ever! Literally if you don’t know what to get your friends and family, you’ll definitely find something there. There are tones of small little markets, who sell really unique and one of a kind products. I feel like anything you get there would make a perfect gift, because it’s things you don’t find everywhere. Also if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, walking under all the fairy lights and stands, will put you in the mood!

If you’re an international student (like myself) and are planning on having a non-credit internship next semester (Spring 2017), I would suggest you apply now for an OPT approval. It takes about 90 days to process, so make sure you do it before you leave for Winter break.

The first thing you’re going to want to do is go to the international student services on the first floor of the B (B103) building and request the form to apply for an OPT. Next you’re going to have to take two passport pictures and make a check for 380$ to the USCIS. Once you’ve done this, make sure you schedule an appointment with Erika Rohrback. I would almost suggest scheduling it, once you’ve gotten the form to fill out, just to make sure you get a meeting with her (since she is very busy). If she tells you everything looks good, you just have to wait for them to approve your OPT and you’re good start working!

We are in the final stretch of the semester which means winter break is only a few short days away! It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of finals, packing, traveling, and saying goodbye to friends for a few weeks, but make sure that you don’t forget the following as you depart New York:

Return your textbooks!

Check out of the dorms/inform your RA (if living in the dorms)

Don’t forget to lock your apartment/dorm door (you’d be surprised how many people have forgotten)

Turn off your heat while you’re away so that you don’t run up a huge bill

Double check that you have your wallet, ID, and passport

Bring your winter coat with you even if you’re traveling somewhere warm. You’ll need it once you travel back to the city

Don’t forget a portable charger for your travels and be sure to always have snacks!